SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 30:48 Min.
Recorded September 28, 1985, at Chicago’s outdoor Comiskey Park, SuperClash ’85 – Night of the Champions was an NWA/AWA co-promotion meant to challenge the WWF’s popularity under their short-lived alliance known as ‘Pro Wrestling U.S.A.’ Interviewed separately by the AWA’s Larry Nelson, the combatants would then wrestle in a red-white-and-blue AWA ring. Meanwhile, continuing his lengthy pursuit of the flamboyant “Nature Boy,” Magnum T.A. seeks a decisive victory to at last claim Ric Flair’s elusive NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
The solo ringside commentator isn’t identified, but a reasonable guess is Ken Resnick. Rod Trongard is the show’s credited announcer.
Notes: The match’s official running time is 19:10. At least once, Resnick, Trongard, or possibly some other unidentified commentator mistakenly refers to the event as “StarClash ’85.”
REVIEW:
In a terrific showdown, the athletic Magnum T.A. appears as a logical candidate to end Flair’s title reign. As one can imagine, the ever-savvy NWA World Champion ensures that their playing field subsequently tilts in his own favor. This bout benefits from excellent visual quality, good camera angles, and a remarkably articulate commentator (probably Ken Resnick).
Though supposedly attended by an audience of approximately 20,000 fans, only Comiskey Park’s baseball field appears populated. Hence, camera angles revealing innumerable empty decks throughout the stadium offers an otherwise bleak vibe.
Still, this underrated NWA World Title match delivers the necessary goods. Flair, in particular, is on his game playing up Magnum T.A. as a most formidable challenger. Magnum T.A. (aka Terry Allen) reciprocates in kind, as one of the industry’s most clichéd finishes is somehow made to appear spontaneous. Their entertaining battle proves worth re-discovery.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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